A Christmas Eve Bus Ride: A Story of Hope and Christmas Miracles
- Nick Ho
- Dec 21, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 22
[🎧 The audio version is available at the bottom of the page.] ⬇
(Scene: Inside a Bus. YOU and a MAN in a Santa outfit are the only passengers. The Man leans forward to talk, resting his arms on the back of your seat.)
Man: Where are you headed this late, friend?
(You glance at him, startled, but shrug.)
You: The hospital. Visiting my son.
Man: Your son must be excited to see you on Christmas Eve.
You: He’s eight. He’s been in the hospital for two years now.
Man: I'm sorry to hear that.
You: His mother left us not long after his diagnosis. Said it was too much. She has her own life to live.
(The Man’s eyes soften, but he doesn’t interrupt.)
You: Every night, I finish work and go straight to the hospital. Christmas Eve is no different.
(You pull out a neatly wrapped box from your bag.)
You: He loves building Gundam models. Says he wants to be a professional model builder when he grows up…
(You pause, your voice breaking.)
You: I don’t even know if he’ll get the chance to grow up. The doctors… they say he probably won’t make it another two years.
Man: That’s a heavy burden for you to carry.
You: It’s not about me. I just want him to have something to hold on to. Hope, at least.
Man: What’s your Christmas wish?
(You hesitate, clutching the gift.)
You: I want him to get better. But that’s too big a wish, isn’t it?
Man: No wish is too big.
You: What about you? Where are you going in that outfit? A costume party or something?
Man: I’m Santa.
(You let out a short, humorless laugh.)
You: Right. And I’m the Tooth Fairy.
Santa: I’m serious. And because you’ve told me your wish, I’ll grant it.
You: Why would you care?
Santa: Because I’m a friend to everyone, no matter their age—child, adult, or old man.
You: This is ridiculous.
(But then, something shifts in the air. You glance at Santa again, noticing for the first time how his presence feels different. A thought strikes you like a lightning bolt.)
You: You’re not joking, are you?
(Santa doesn't reply. He simply smiles, his eyes twinkling with quiet reassurance.)
(Your eyes start to well up.)
You: Is it… really possible?
(Santa places his hand on your shoulder.)
Santa: Christmas is about believing in miracles. Go to your son.
(The bus slows to a stop. You look out the window, seeing the hospital entrance glowing in the night.)
(When you turn back, Santa is gone. You step off the bus, gift in hand, your heart lighter than it’s been in years.)
(Posted on Threads on 17.12.2024)
Comentarios